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How to turn off two-factor authentication for your Apple ID

How to turn off two-factor authentication for your Apple ID


iPhone 5, iOS 10

Posted on Mar 3, 2023 11:13 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 3, 2023 11:21 AM

Hello,


I see you want to disable two-factor authentication. For some background I suggest you read the document: "Two-factor authentication for Apple ID" - Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Several years ago Apple transitioned to using two-factor authentication for additional account security. Accounts created since that time automatically use two-factor authentication and this cannot be disabled.


Some people have older accounts from before two-factor authentication was mandatory on new accounts. Apple encourages those users to transition to two-factor authentication when signing in on their accounts because without it "your account is less secure and you can't use features that require a higher level of security." Those older account owners who do start using two-factor authentication have two weeks to change their minds and return to older security settings.


If you have an older account, recently activated two factor authentication, and you're within the two week period for turning it off again, you should check for an email from Apple for a way to do this. If you don't see one about this, look in your junk mail folder.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 3, 2023 11:21 AM in response to elicaamano

Hello,


I see you want to disable two-factor authentication. For some background I suggest you read the document: "Two-factor authentication for Apple ID" - Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support


Several years ago Apple transitioned to using two-factor authentication for additional account security. Accounts created since that time automatically use two-factor authentication and this cannot be disabled.


Some people have older accounts from before two-factor authentication was mandatory on new accounts. Apple encourages those users to transition to two-factor authentication when signing in on their accounts because without it "your account is less secure and you can't use features that require a higher level of security." Those older account owners who do start using two-factor authentication have two weeks to change their minds and return to older security settings.


If you have an older account, recently activated two factor authentication, and you're within the two week period for turning it off again, you should check for an email from Apple for a way to do this. If you don't see one about this, look in your junk mail folder.


Mar 3, 2023 11:31 AM in response to elicaamano

According to Apple:

If you already use two-factor authentication, you can no longer turn it off.


Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information.


If you recently updated your account, you can unenroll within two weeks of enrollment.


Just open your enrollment confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings.


Keep in mind, this makes your account less secure and means that you can't use features that require higher security.


Need more help?

Mar 3, 2023 11:24 AM in response to elicaamano

Per the link you were provided above (Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support)


"If you're already using two-factor authentication with your Apple ID, you can't turn it off. If you updated to two-factor authentication inadvertently, you can turn it off within two weeks of enrollment. If you do, your account is less secure and you can't use features that require a higher level of security."

How to turn off two-factor authentication for your Apple ID

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